ATTACK: Simon Early. Photo: Collins Courts

A Dublin plumber broke a man's skull with a claw hammer after he found him in his former partner's bed, a court has heard.

The attack by Simon Early, of Old Brazil Way, Swords, left the victim with a 2.7cm fracture.

Early (27) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to David Griffin at Ashton Rise, Swords on October 22, 2011.

Early's former partner and mother of his child described the incident as a "moment of madness" which was out of character for him. Judge Mary Ellen Ring said it could also have been the "last moment" for the victim, who suffered a very serious head injury and he could have died or lost brain function. She adjourned the case to see if Early is suitable for restorative justice, but warned him a jail sentence was still an option.

Garda David Smith told Anne Rowland BL, prosecuting, that Early had gone to the home of his former partner Bethany Hourigan to drop off their then two and a half year old daughter. The court heard there was an agreement between the estranged couple that no man would stay over at the house while the young girl was there.

When Ms Hourigan opened the door, Early asked if someone was in the house and she replied, no. When he saw Mr Griffin in bed, he went downstairs and came back with a claw hammer. Mr Griffin tried to kick the attacker away, but was backed into the bedroom and fell onto the bed.

SHOUTING

The court heard that the hammer hit his head and Mr Griffin shouted: "You're going to kill me," to which Early responded: "I don't f*****g care."

Early kept hitting his head, before he ran off shouting: "I'll deal with you again, Griffo."

A medical report confirmed a fracture to Mr Griffin's skull causing a depressed fragment of bone 2.7cm long.

Now living in Australia, he gave a victim impact statement, saying he was fearful for the future due to his injuries, but he wasn't keen for a prison sentence as Early had a child.

John Fitzgerald BL, defending, said his client told gardai there had been an "altercation" after he arrived at the house.

Letters were handed to the court from members of the GAA team Early plays in, describing him as someone other players look up to and respect.

Early's mother and the mother of his former partner, said he was a very good father.

The unemployed plumber borrowed €2,000 as a gesture of remorse, to be paid to his victim.

The matter was put back to June 4 for sentence.

HNEWS@HERALD.IE